The night views of the Bird’s Nest and the Water Cube are highly distinctive. Here are some viewing suggestions and related information:
Lighting time
The Bird’s Nest: The lighting time is usually around 18:40 at night, but it may be adjusted in summer.
The Water Cube: It is illuminated a little earlier, around 18:20 at night. The colors of its lights are unpredictable and very charming.
Viewing location
South Square of Olympic Park: Enter through the main gate and walk straight for about 500 meters. Standing by the fountain pool, you can capture the Bird’s Nest and the Water Cube in the same frame. The reflection effect on the water surface is dreamy.
Beichen West Road Sky Bridge: The view is wide open, allowing you to capture the full view of the Bird’s Nest and the light show.
The dragon-shaped water system in the Olympic Park: The lights are reflected on the water surface, creating a strong atmosphere and making it suitable for shooting night scenes.
The direction directly north of the Bird’s Nest: It offers a panoramic view of the Bird’s Nest and is a classic spot for photography enthusiasts.
At the intersection of Lake View East Road and National Stadium South Road: You can see the huge Bing Dwen Dwen and Shuey Rhon Rhon. Close to the railing, you can take pictures of the reflection of the Bird’s Nest.
Viewing time
The best time for shooting is from 8:00 p.m. Zu 9:00 p.m. At this time, the light is soft and the scenery is at its best.
The light show time: After 8 p.m. every Friday, Saturday and Sunday, the light show will reach its climax in conjunction with the concert and last until around 10 p.m.
Tickets and opening hours
Bird’s Nest: The ticket price is 100 yuan per adult and 80 yuan per discounted ticket. The opening hours are usually from 10:00 Zu 22:00 (ticket checking stops at 21:00).
Water Cube: The ticket price is 30 yuan per adult (there is also a saying that the full price ticket for visiting and the water light is 48 yuan, and the discounted ticket is 33 yuan), and the discounted ticket is 15 yuan per person. The opening hours vary by season. From June to October, they are from 9:00 Zu 21:30 (ticket checking stops at 21:00), and from November to May of the following year, they are from 9:00 Zu 18:30 (ticket checking stops at 18:00).
Tour routes and activities
Tourist Route: You can first visit scenic spots such as the Olympic Forest Park and the National Science and Technology Museum. In the evening, you can come to visit the Bird’s Nest and the Water Cube.
Surrounding activities: There are many entertainment projects around the Bird’s Nest and the Water Cube at night, such as chorus, Yangko dance, square dance, usw. Sometimes, people also play the guzheng and live sing.
Precautions
Warming measures: The temperature is relatively low at night. It is recommended to wear more clothes to keep warm.
Photography tips: When taking photos at night, you can try adjusting the lights on your phone to reduce the brightness and achieve a better shooting effect. You can also use the long exposure mode to shoot the light track, and the effect is stunning.
Security check and queuing: Security check is required to enter the Olympic Park, but it is relatively fast and almost no queuing is needed. However, on weekend or holiday evenings, there are more tourists and it might be necessary to arrive early to secure a good shooting spot.
